All AFP units now on ‘red alert’ for ‘Ruby’ landfall

Armed Forces of the Philippines. Photo courtesy of AFP Facebook page.

MANILA — All units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were placed on “red alert” starting 12 noon Thursday, in preparation for possible humanitarian assistance disaster relief (HADR) missions that may be needed once typhoon “Ruby” (international name ‘Hagupit’) makes landfall over the weekend.

“All AFP forces (have been placed) on red alert by 12 noon today (Thursday),”newly-appointed AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said.

“Red alert” means that all available units and assets are ready for instant deployment if needed.

It also means that all units on the direct path of the typhoon are on stand-by for HADR or preventive/force evacuations of people in coordination with local government units, Department of Social Welfare and Development and other government agencies as need arises, 7th Civil Relations Group commander Major Emmanuel Garcia said.

All units in adjacent areas are also on alert to assist troops in the affected areas.

Severe weather brought by typhoon “Ruby” is expected to affect the Eastern Visayas, Bicol province and Northern Mindanao.

The AFP placed all its units on “blue alert” 8 a.m. Thursday in anticipation of relief missions for “Ruby”.

Under the “blue alert” status, the military can easily mobilize 50 percent of its strength should the need arises.